If you have severe or complex dental problems, your dentist may suggest that you undergo full mouth reconstruction, which is a customized treatment plan to help restore the health and function of your teeth. This highly personalized service may involve multiple procedures. What can you expect on your journey back to a strong smile? Here are five treatments that might be in your near future:
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root, usually made out of titanium, which gets inserted into the jaw during an oral surgery. After a healing period of several months, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to implants. They provide an incredibly strong base for prosthetic teeth, and they can help to preserve your jawbone’s density and shape. They are the gold standard of tooth replacement!
Dentures
If you have suffered extensive tooth loss, you may need dentures for one or both of your dental arches. Implant dentures are likely your best option. However, if you do not quality for dental implants, or you are on a tight budget, you might opt for traditional dentures instead. As long as they fit well, they can provide pleasant aesthetics and renew your ability to eat a wide variety of foods.
Bridges
A bridge is a multi-unit prosthetic that can address moderate tooth loss. Traditional bridges are supported by the existing natural teeth. They can be sturdy and highly functional. Again, however, an implant-supported prosthetic is the better option; it does not require that the remaining natural teeth be modified, and it is stronger than its traditional counterpart.
Crowns
Of course, your dental team will do all they can to preserve your remaining natural teeth. This may involve placing one or more crowns, which care custom-made “caps” that get placed over the entire visible portion of a tooth. They can restore the shape and strength of damaged teeth. They can even be made out of materials that resemble natural enamel, so they can blend seamlessly into your smile.
Veneers
Once your oral health is back on track, you might choose to get veneers to put the finishing touches on your restored smile. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that get attached to the outward-facing side of teeth. They can disguise a range of aesthetic imperfections, including stains, chips, cracks, and more. They are quite durable and have the potential to last for 15 years or longer.
This blog post has touched on just a few treatments that may be part of a full mouth reconstruction plan. To learn more about what is involved in rebuilding a damaged smile, consult with a qualified dental professional.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard are the board-certified oral surgeons at Piney Point Dental Implant Center. They possess all the skill, experience, and technology necessary to perform dental implant placement surgery. If you are interested in learning about the role they can play in helping you to achieve a healthier smile, contact our office at 713-597-7340.